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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Okanagan Apple Bread and the San Juan Islands - Outdoor Wednesday

Tucked between Puget Sound and the Straits of Georgia is an archipelago known as the San Juan Islands. The islands are accessible only by ferry and they've become the quiet place to which I retreat when the world is too much with me. There are 172 islands in the chain, but only a few are inhabited and some are not visible at high tide. In the spring and summer these islands are coves of stunning beauty, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the view rivals the majesty of a cathedral and the silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of waves, becomes an evensong. Life here moves slowly and you can, indeed, lose yourself in solitary splendor if that is what you seek. Food is simple and what you don't grow or raise must be ferried in at some expense. One of our favorite treats on the islands is an apple bread that comes from the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. It's farm bread at its best. It can be made without special equipment and it falls into that easy but delicious category of old-fashioned quick breads. I love its simplicity. I use Golden Delicious Apples and coarsely chopped walnuts to make the bread, but feel free to improvise and use choices of your own. Here's the recipe.

Mary, I married my hubby in Vancouver 21 years ago. My 3 children were all born there. We lived in Kelona for a year, but our home was in White Rock, B.C. I know all about the San Juan Islands..Isn't it magical? I miss it all.Thanks for the memories, and your pictures are just breathtaking.Happy OW MaryLove Claudiexoxoxo

It is a gorgeous early fall week -- so your apple bread will be perfect to try! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Persumably, it should be a soft apple rather than a chunky or a crisp apple? I am thinking that different apple varieties will give the bread different performance.

Your photo images of the San Juan Islands are gorgeous. My daughter lives two blocks or so from the sound...your photos really miss her today!

Claudie, I'm always amazed by how we are all tied together is some fashion by the places we have been and the people we have met. I'm so glad the photos brought back pleasant memories. The islands are magical. I wish everyone could experience them just once. I, by the way, love Vancouver, and it's melting pot atmosphere. Perhaps next time we head to the islands I could give you a call. Have a wonderful day. Hugs...Mary

Debbie, by all means feel free to experiment with the apples you use in the bread. That will make less a difference here than is some other recipes because the apples are grated. Nutmeats can also be varied, but I think toasting is important.

OOO, Mary...can't tell you how thrilled I am to find this apple bread on this very day that I am making all kinds of things with the fresh apples we picked yesterday. I just this minute took out a fresh apple cake with praline sauce...Can not WAIT to try it...NOW, I was wanting to take a friend something made with these apples (o, and I hope Pink Lady's are ok in this bread recipe..) so I will make your bread and take to her. Thanks so much for the recipe.

Your "get away" place just takes my breath away...How blessed you are to have this place for your soul to rest!xo bj

What beautiful bread. I am also glad to read your opinion on apple choices. I have not conquered the complex variety of apples yet, though I have tried. Glad you like the Goldens for baking. I like them also. The pictures are beautiful. I love the Oregon, Washington coasts and we so enjoyed our time in Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Beautiful part of the world.

Oh my ... what glorious outdoor watery views you've shared today and what DELICIOUS looking Apple Bread!!! I've just returned home from my Power Point class and could DO with a slice right now, but methinks I'll settle for apple slices, cheese, and a bit of chicken with the multi-grain bread I have on hand. Thanks for visiting my outdoor watery posts at both Sacred Ruminations and Happily Retired Gal today ;--)Hugs and blessings,

What breathtaking photos -so serene. I have never been there, but I have been to the Okanagan - such a beautiful place. I love the apple bread. I am looking forward to my annual trip to the local orchard/market this weekend.

Oh, Mary! What beautiful photos and I love the history with the recipe! The place looks magical and the food, delish! Mary, iwsh I could have you cook for me! Smile! Thanks for dropping by Bloggeritaville! I appreciate your visits and your friendship!

Once again, you've come up with a place I want to visit and a recipe I have to try! The apple bread sounds very much like my grandmother's applesauce cake, so I'm sure I'll love it. Thanks for another great Outdoor Wednesday post.

It looks like cream around the islands - I want to eat them. It is the second time I start to red you blog and find so many things that I only read a bite and then go away to see something else. But I seen the blue moon and the wonderful hats.

Like these photos- I would so buy the top two from you. I love when our Great Lake here, Lake Ontario turns, what I call, electric blue- right about dusk. I think you really captured that color in these photos. I would love to hang them in my bedroom.

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